The winds of change brought by Covid have indeed altered our world—there was no more bustling comic cons, no elaborate special fx makeup sessions, and certainly no lively sporting events or nerdy gatherings. Yet, amidst this hiatus, I held onto hope for our eventual reunion. Until things change, we can cherish the memories we’ve created, the lives we’ve touched, and the stories we’ve shared.

NOW, what in the world does that have to do with Cosplay…RIGHT?  

Allow me to share a recent experience that beautifully illustrates the power of cosplay. As I immersed myself in the captivating film “Words on the Bathroom Wall,” I was moved by its portrayal of a young individual grappling with schizophrenia. The movie stirred my emotions and left a lasting impact. But what does this have to do with cosplay, you might ask? 

How incredibly powerful is Cosplay?

Well, let me elucidate. I recently learned of a friend of a friend who had encountered me at a Comic Con. He recounted how his friend, typically devoid of excitement due to his schizophrenia medication, had been positively changed after meeting me. This brief interaction, captured in a photo shared on social media, brought unexpected joy to someone struggling with unimaginable challenges.

This revelation underscored the profound impact of cosplay—a power to uplift, inspire, and transform lives, even in fleeting moments amidst a sea of con-goers. It’s a reminder of the incredible influence we hold as cosplayers, transcending mere costume play to become beacons of hope and happiness for those navigating dark and daunting paths.

Be that cosplay weirdo.

So, to all my fellow cosplay weirdos out there, embrace your uniqueness with pride. For in our costumes and characters, we become superheroes to those in need of a momentary escape from their troubles.

Do you need a better reason to cosplay than that? 

In conclusion, I can’t think of a more compelling reason to cosplay than to bring smiles to faces and light to hearts in times of darkness. I invite you to share your own cosplay stories in the comments below—I’m eager to hear about the magic you’ve experienced and the lives you’ve touched.